Various paths lead to West Oahu creative media degree

The University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu recently signed articulation agreements with all seven UH Community Colleges to provide additional pathways to a creative media bachelor’s degree. The agreement ensures a smooth transfer for UH community college students and those currently taking creative media related coursework into the program, which is also available for high school graduates. The creative media concentration prepares students for in-demand careers in transmedia production, graphic design, digital video production, mobile and platform game design, web interface design, iOS Apps and other digital media outlets.

“We are proud to offer a clear pathway for community college students and those pursuing careers in creative media to obtain their bachelor’s degree at UH West Oʻahu,” said UH West Oʻahu Chancellor Rockne Freitas. “Creative media is a constantly evolving field and students will be able to take advantage of the latest technologies and learn from industry experts right here in West Oʻahu. It is a natural partnership since many students first learned creative media skills through award-winning high school programs like Waiʻanae High School’s Searider Productions.”

“These transfer agreements with UH West Oʻahu make it easier for our community college students to advance their skills and knowledge in this rapidly expanding creative media industry,” said UH Vice President John Morton. “The consumer’s demand for creative content across all digital media is insatiable. This new degree pathway creates another great opportunity for community college students to participate in this exciting field.”

UH West Oʻahu’s creative media program will get a boost this fall with the completion of a brand new, state-of-the-art creative media lab and four additional faculty members, including an artist-in-residence, thanks to support from the Academy for Creative Media System. The creative media lab includes 20 new iMac computers, state-of-the-art camera equipment, large format scanners and printers, and the latest graphic design and editing software. New lower and upper division coursework will be offered in mobile/transmedia, game design and development, app development, digital archiving, and web design and development in the 2014–2015 academic year.

Interested students may elect to pursue a bachelor of arts in humanities with a concentration in creative media or a bachelor of applied science with a concentration in creative media at UH West Oʻahu after completing recommended associate degree coursework.